Experimental and Analytical Modeling of Concrete-Filled Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tubes Subjected to Combined Bending and Axial Loads

Abstract

This paper presents test results of an experimental program, and proposes an analytical model to describe the behavior of concrete-filled, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes subjected to combined axial compression loads and bending moments. The experimental program included 10 specimens subjected to eccentric axial loads, 2 specimens tested under concentric axial loads, and 2 specimens tested in bending. Glass FRP tubes with 2 different laminate structures were considered, and axial load/bending moment interaction curves are given. An analytical model is presented that accounts for variable confinement of concrete as a result of the gradual change of the biaxial state of stresses developed in the tube as the eccentricity changes. A parametric study was conducted to evaluate effects of diameter-to-thickness ratio and laminate structure of the tube, including different fiber proportions in the axial and hoop directions. The study evaluated the confinement as affected by the eccentricity of the applied axial load as well as the influence of the FRP laminate structure. Findings indicate that the interaction curves are significantly affected by both the laminate structure and diameter-to-thickness ratios of the tubes.